Staff profile

Short Bio

Jelena is a Professor at the Department of Engineering, Durham University, UK, since October 2025. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2015 in the field of computational modelling at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. In 2016, she received a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (SATBIM) at the University of Nottingham, where she was later appointed Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering and Informatics in 2018. In 2022 she moved to University of Birmingham as Associate Professor in Digital Engineering 

Jelena is a civil engineer and academic with a background in computational mechanics, digital engineering, and information modelling for underground infrastructure. Her research combines advanced numerical methods, data-driven modelling, and AI to enhance the design, monitoring, and resilience of civil infrastructure systems.

From January 2025, Professor Ninić serves as President of UK Association for Computational Mechanics (UKACM). , Moreover, Jelena serves as an associate editor for the Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (TUST) and ICE Bridge Engineering journals. She is the UK representative and core member of the ISSMGE Technical Committee 222 on Geotechnical BIM and Digital Twins, General Council member of the IACM, and Managing Board member of ECCOMAS. 

Education

• PhD (Dr.-Ing.) in Computational Mechanics ("with distinction"- summa cum laude), Ruhr University Bochum, Germany (2015); Thesis: Real-time steering of tunnel boring machines; mentor Professor Günther Meschke  
• Marie Curie Individual Fellowship, University of Nottingham, UK (2016–2018)
• Dipl.-Ing. (MSc/BSc) in Structural Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia (2008)

Teaching

My teaching portfolio includes themes such as Data and Modelling, digital technologies, and Multidisciplinary Design Project, integrating computational methods and real-world engineering applications.

I am actively engaged in curriculum innovation and teaching across engineering. Tohether with my colleagues Kat Lovell and Qian Zhang, I am establishing a new MSc in Engineering Management a future-oriented programme with a strong focus on  digital transformation, strategy & innovation, and sustainability.

I have led and contributed to modules in structural, geotechnical, and digital engineering across three universities, including:Engineering Materials 1 & 2, Integrated Group Design Project  and Building Information Modelling, Finat Element Methods, Numerical Simulations, and Final Research Projects.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) since  2020.

Selected funded projects

• M-Twin4US – Principal Investigator (PI); Marie Curie Fellowship, 2025–2027 · ID: 101205667
• META-NOVIB – PI; Marie Curie Fellowship, 2024–2026 · ID: EP/Z001129/1
• TwinSSI – PI; Marie Curie Fellowship, 2025–2026 · ID: EP/Z001072/1
• ReCharged – Co-Investigator (Co-I); MSCA Staff Exchanges 2021, 2023–2026 · ID: 101086056
• BuildAir – Co-I; UKRI Project, 2024–2025 · ID: MR/Z505912/1
• NO2NOISE – Coordinator & PI; H2020 EID/ITN, 2019–2021 · ID: 765472
• OptiMACS – Coordinator & PI; H2020 EID/ITN, 2020–2022 · ID: 764650
• SATBIM – Marie Curie Individual Fellowship, 2016–2018 · ID: 702874
• Automated Defect Recognition of ATE/DIFCAM Data by SAM – PI; Industry-funded project with Network Rail, 2025 
• Data-driven Mechanistic Modelling for Science, Environment and Health – Co-I; Interdisciplinary Research Network+, 2025–2026 ·
• Transforming Bridge Inspections through Digital Technologies – PI; PhD studentship with Highways England & WSP Ltd, 2020–2022
• Ruhr University Research School Grant – PhD Studentship; DFG GSC 98/1, 2010–2012
• MIT Visiting Research Fellowship – PI; Go International Scholarship, 2012 
• DAAD Scientific Internship – PI; Ruhr University Bochum, 2009 

Awards

• IStructE Midland Counties Research Award (2023)
• Four Best Paper Awards (2021–2023) for supervised PhD students at UKACM, ICCCBE, and ICSCE
• Eg-ICE 2019 Best Paper Award
• Zerna Award (2015) for best PhD, Ruhr University Bochum
• IACM Scholarship (2014); DAAD and Go International Fellowships (2009–2012)
• Professor Korolija Foundation Award (2008) for best civil engineering graduate

Professional service and leadership

• President, UK Association for Computational Mechanics - UKACM (from 2025)
• Vice-President, UKACM (2024)
• Executive Board Member, UKACM (since 2022)
• Associate Editor, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology-  TUST (Elsevier) and Bridge Engineering - BREN (ICE)
• General Council Member, International Association for Computational Mechanics (IACM)
• Core Member, ISSMGE TC222 – Geotechnical BIM & Digital Twins
• Member, ITA Working Group 22 – Information Modelling in Tunnelling

Conferences and editorial work

Associate Editor of Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (Elsevier, since 2020) and Bridge Engineering (ICE, since 2024).

Reviewer for over 15 major international journals and funding councils, including Horizon 2020 (2019), the Austrian Science Fund (FWF, 2023), and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR, 2024).

Co-organiser of CTTU 2020 and TBM DiGs & CTTU 2026 (Melbourne, Australia) and EG-ICE 2017 (Nottingham, UK).

Publications

• Over 120 publications, including 50+ journal papers (75 Scopus-indexed) and 3 book chapters
• Google Scholar profile
• Scopus profile
• ResearchGate profile
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0272-3208

 

Journal Article

• An analytical model of multi-ring segmental lining with nonlinear joint interactions
  
  Feng, D., Wu, H., Ninić, J., Yang, S., & Chen, R. (2026). An analytical model of multi-ring segmental lining with nonlinear joint interactions. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 169, 107249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2025.107249
• A coupled FEM–SBM methodology for dynamic interaction of multiple structures and soil
  
  Liravi, H., Alizadehshiraz, A., Kaewunruen, S., & Ninić, J. (2026). A coupled FEM–SBM methodology for dynamic interaction of multiple structures and soil. Computers and Geotechnics, 191, Article 107816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2025.107816
• Automated multi-category tunnel damage detection and report generation from ultra-high-resolution panoramic laser images
  
  Ye, Z., Mozafarian, M., Cavallaro, P. A. R., Altinay, K., Villa, V., & Ninic, J. (2026). Automated multi-category tunnel damage detection and report generation from ultra-high-resolution panoramic laser images. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 168, Article 107194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2025.107194
• ITA-AITES − BIM in tunnelling – Guideline for mechanised and conventional tunnels
  
  Angerer, W., Gall, V. E., Karlovšek, J., Mleczko, W., Robert, F., Salmi, J., Aldrian, W., Dohmen, P., Grasmick, J., Jacobs, A., Ninic, J., Rives, M., & Ye, Z. (2026). ITA-AITES − BIM in tunnelling – Guideline for mechanised and conventional tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 168, Article 106714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2025.106714
• Artificial intelligence transformations in geotechnics: progress, challenges and future enablers
  
  Sheil, B., Anagnostopoulos, C., Buckley, R., Ciantia, M. O., Febrianto, E., Fu, J., Gao, Z., Geng, X., Gong, B., Hanley, K., He, P., Kolomvatsos, K., de C.F.L. Lopes, B., Ninic, J., Previtali, M., Rezania, M., Ruiz-Lopez, A., Sun, J., Suryasentana, S., … Zhang, P. (2026). Artificial intelligence transformations in geotechnics: progress, challenges and future enablers. Computers and Geotechnics, 189, Article 107604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2025.107604
• A data-driven multi-objective optimisation framework for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in flexible building spaces
  
  Lyu, H., Herring, D., Chen, H., Zhou, S., Zhang, J., Wang, L., Zuo, Z., Andrews, J., kočvara, M., Spill, F., Ninic, J., & Wang, S. (2025). A data-driven multi-objective optimisation framework for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in flexible building spaces. Energy and Buildings, 346, Article 116100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.116100
• Surrogate model-based multi-objective Bayesian optimisation of porous acoustic barriers
  
  Liravi, H., Bécot, F., Kaewunruen, S., & Ninić, J. (2025). Surrogate model-based multi-objective Bayesian optimisation of porous acoustic barriers. Engineering With Computers. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00366-025-02221-0
• Data integration framework for multi-level information modelling and numerical analysis of deteriorated RC bridges
  
  Alsharif, M. A., Thermou, G., Ninic, J., & Tizani, W. (2025). Data integration framework for multi-level information modelling and numerical analysis of deteriorated RC bridges. Advances in Engineering Software, 202, Article 103860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2024.103860
• Scan-to-BIM-to-Sim: Automated reconstruction of digital and simulation models from point clouds with applications on bridges
  
  Fang, Y., Mitoulis, S., Boddice, D., Yu, J., & Ninic, J. (2025). Scan-to-BIM-to-Sim: Automated reconstruction of digital and simulation models from point clouds with applications on bridges. Results in Engineering, 25, Article 104289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104289
• BIM for mining - Automated generation of information models using a parametric modelling concept
  
  Salmi, J., Ye, Z., Ninic, J., & Heikkilä, R. (2025). BIM for mining - Automated generation of information models using a parametric modelling concept. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 186, Article 106032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106032
• Remaining Life of Ageing RC Infrastructure for Sustainable development—Deterioration Under Climate Change
  
  Kopiika, N., Robery, P., Ninic, J., & Mitoulis, S. (2025). Remaining Life of Ageing RC Infrastructure for Sustainable development—Deterioration Under Climate Change. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, Article e04757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04757
• Ground-Borne Vibrations Induced by Railway Traffic: Impact, Prediction, Mitigation and Future Perspectives
  
  Colaço, A., Liravi, H., Soares, P. J., Ninić, J., & Costa, P. A. (2025). Ground-Borne Vibrations Induced by Railway Traffic: Impact, Prediction, Mitigation and Future Perspectives. Vibration, 8(4), Article 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration8040073
• Rapid post-disaster infrastructure damage characterisation using remote sensing and deep learning technologies: A tiered approach
  
  Kopiika, N., Karavias, A., Krassakis, P., Ye, Z., Ninic, J., Shakhovska, N., Argyroudis, S., & Mitoulis, S. (2025). Rapid post-disaster infrastructure damage characterisation using remote sensing and deep learning technologies: A tiered approach. Automation in Construction, 170, Article 105955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105955
• Sustainability and resilience-driven prioritisation for restoring critical infrastructure after major disasters and conflict
  
  Kopiika, N., Di Bari, R., Argyroudis, S., Ninic, J., & Mitoulis, S. (2025). Sustainability and resilience-driven prioritisation for restoring critical infrastructure after major disasters and conflict. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 139, Article 104592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2025.104592
• Fusion of experimental and numerical data for development of Extended Hollo-bolt component based model
  
  Cabrera, M., Tizani, W., & Ninic, J. (2024). Fusion of experimental and numerical data for development of Extended Hollo-bolt component based model. Engineering Structures, 321, Article 118932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.118932
• Optimising synthetic datasets for machine learning-based prediction of building damage due to tunnelling
  
  Gamra, A., Ninić, J., & Ghiassi, B. (2024). Optimising synthetic datasets for machine learning-based prediction of building damage due to tunnelling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 152, Article 105961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2024.105961
• Damage features for structural health monitoring based on ultrasonic Lamb waves: Evaluation criteria, survey of recent work and outlook
  
  Lu, H., Chandran, B., Wu, W., Ninic, J., Gryllias, K., & Chronopoulos, D. (2024). Damage features for structural health monitoring based on ultrasonic Lamb waves: Evaluation criteria, survey of recent work and outlook. Measurement, 232, Article 114666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2024.114666
• Integrated BIM-based modeling and simulation of segmental tunnel lining by means of isogeometric analysis
  
  Bui, H., Ninić, J., Koch, C., Hackl, K., & Meschke, G. (2024). Integrated BIM-based modeling and simulation of segmental tunnel lining by means of isogeometric analysis. Finite Elements in Analysis and Design, 229, Article 104070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.finel.2023.104070
• Tensile experimental data from monotonic loading on connections to concrete filled steel tubes using Extended Hollo-bolt blind bolts
  
  Cabrera, M., Tizani, W., & Ninic, J. (2024). Tensile experimental data from monotonic loading on connections to concrete filled steel tubes using Extended Hollo-bolt blind bolts. Data in Brief, 57, Article 111088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2024.111088
• Global–local multidisciplinary optimisation for the evaluation of local constraints on finer meshes in preliminary aircraft design
  
  Sferza, M., Ninic, J., Glock, F., Hofer, C., Daoud, F., Chronopoulos, D., & van der Zee, K. (2023). Global–local multidisciplinary optimisation for the evaluation of local constraints on finer meshes in preliminary aircraft design. Engineering With Computers, 39, 4167–4184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00366-023-01912-w
• Fusion of experimental and synthetic data for reliable prediction of steel connection behaviour using machine learning
  
  Cabrera, M., Ninic, J., & Tizani, W. (2023). Fusion of experimental and synthetic data for reliable prediction of steel connection behaviour using machine learning. Engineering With Computers. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00366-023-01864-1
• Layup time for an Automated Fibre Placement process in the framework of a detailed sizing optimisation
  
  Ntourmas, G., Glock, F., Daoud, F., Schuhmacher, G., Chronopoulos, D., Özcan, E., & Ninić, J. (2023). Layup time for an Automated Fibre Placement process in the framework of a detailed sizing optimisation. Composites Part B: Engineering, 258, Article 110714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110714
• A framework for integrating embodied carbon assessment and construction feasibility in prefabricated stations
  
  Huang, M., Chen, X., Ninić, J., Bai, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2023). A framework for integrating embodied carbon assessment and construction feasibility in prefabricated stations. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 132, Article 104920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2022.104920
• Stacking sequence optimisation of an aircraft wing skin
  
  Ntourmas, G., Glock, F., Deinert, S., Daoud, F., Schuhmacher, G., Chronopoulos, D., Özcan, E., & Ninić, J. (2023). Stacking sequence optimisation of an aircraft wing skin. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 66, Article 31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-022-03483-8
• Recent progress, challenges and outlook for multidisciplinary structural optimization of aircraft and aerial vehicles
  
  Corrado, G., Ntourmas, G., Sferza, M., Traiforos, N., Arteiro, A., Brown, L., Chronopoulos, D., Daoud, F., Glock, F., Ninic, J., Ozcan, E., Reinoso, J., Schuhmacher, G., & Turner, T. (2022). Recent progress, challenges and outlook for multidisciplinary structural optimization of aircraft and aerial vehicles. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 135, Article 100861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2022.100861
• Framework for BIM-Based Simulation of Construction Operations Implemented in a Game Engine
  
  Osorio-Sandoval, C. A., Tizani, W., Pereira, E., Ninić, J., & Koch, C. (2022). Framework for BIM-Based Simulation of Construction Operations Implemented in a Game Engine. Buildings, 12(8), 1199. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081199
• The behaviour of anchored extended blind bolts in concrete‐filled tubes
  
  Tizani, W., Cabrera, M., Mahmood, M., Ninic, J., & Wang, F. (2022). The behaviour of anchored extended blind bolts in concrete‐filled tubes. Steel Construction, 15(S1), 51-58. https://doi.org/10.1002/stco.202100037
• A variationally consistent hyperstatic reaction method for tunnel lining design
  
  Bui, H., Ninić, J., Do, N., Dias, D., & Meschke, G. (2022). A variationally consistent hyperstatic reaction method for tunnel lining design. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 46(1), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.3288
• Multi-LOD BIM for underground metro station: Interoperability and design-to-design enhancement
  
  Huang, M., Zhu, H., Ninić, J., & Zhang, Q. (2022). Multi-LOD BIM for underground metro station: Interoperability and design-to-design enhancement. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 119, Article 104232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2021.104232
• Experimental and numerical analysis of preload in Extended Hollo-Bolt blind bolts
  
  Cabrera, M., Tizani, W., Ninic, J., & Wang, F. (2021). Experimental and numerical analysis of preload in Extended Hollo-Bolt blind bolts. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 186, Article 106885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2021.106885
• Multidisciplinary Optimisation of Aircraft Structures with Critical Non-Regular Areas: Current Practice and Challenges
  
  Sferza, M., Ninić, J., Chronopoulos, D., Glock, F., & Daoud, F. (2021). Multidisciplinary Optimisation of Aircraft Structures with Critical Non-Regular Areas: Current Practice and Challenges. Aerospace, 8(8), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8080223
• A review and analysis of testing and modeling practice of extended Hollo-Bolt blind bolt connections
  
  Cabrera, M., Tizani, W., & Ninic, J. (2021). A review and analysis of testing and modeling practice of extended Hollo-Bolt blind bolt connections. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 183, Article 106763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2021.106763
• BIM, machine learning and computer vision techniques in underground construction: Current status and future perspectives
  
  Huang, M., Ninić, J., & Zhang, Q. (2021). BIM, machine learning and computer vision techniques in underground construction: Current status and future perspectives. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 108, Article 103677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103677
• From digital models to numerical analysis for mechanised tunnelling: A fully automated design-through-analysis workflow
  
  Ninic, J., Alsahly, A., Vonthron, A., Bui, H., Koch, C., König, M., & Meschke, G. (2021). From digital models to numerical analysis for mechanised tunnelling: A fully automated design-through-analysis workflow. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 107, Article 103622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103622
• BIM-to-IGA: A fully automatic design-through-analysis workflow for segmented tunnel linings
  
  Ninić, J., Bui, H. G., & Meschke, G. (2020). BIM-to-IGA: A fully automatic design-through-analysis workflow for segmented tunnel linings. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 46, 101137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2020.101137
• Integrated parametric multi-level information and numerical modelling of mechanised tunnelling projects
  
  Ninić, J., Koch, C., Vonthron, A., Tizani, W., & König, M. (2020). Integrated parametric multi-level information and numerical modelling of mechanised tunnelling projects. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 43, 101011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2019.101011
• Computationally Efficient Simulation in Urban Mechanized Tunneling Based on Multilevel BIM Models
  
  Ninic, J. (2019). Computationally Efficient Simulation in Urban Mechanized Tunneling Based on Multilevel BIM Models. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering.
• An integrated platform for design and numerical analysis of shield tunnelling processes on different levels of detail
  
  Ninić, J., Koch, C., & Stascheit, J. (2017). An integrated platform for design and numerical analysis of shield tunnelling processes on different levels of detail. Advances in Engineering Software, 112, 165-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2017.05.012
• A hybrid finite element and surrogate modelling approach for simulation and monitoring supported TBM steering
  
  Ninić, J., Freitag, S., & Meschke, G. (2017). A hybrid finite element and surrogate modelling approach for simulation and monitoring supported TBM steering. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 63, 12-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2016.12.004
• Recurrent neural networks and proper orthogonal decomposition with interval data for real-time predictions of mechanised tunnelling processes
  
  Freitag, S., Cao, B., Ninić, J., & Meschke, G. (2017). Recurrent neural networks and proper orthogonal decomposition with interval data for real-time predictions of mechanised tunnelling processes. Computers & Structures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2017.03.020
• Simulation based evaluation of time-variant loadings acting on tunnel linings during mechanized tunnel construction
  
  Ninić, J., & Meschke, G. (2017). Simulation based evaluation of time-variant loadings acting on tunnel linings during mechanized tunnel construction. Engineering Structures, 135, 21-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.12.043
• Model update and real-time steering of tunnel boring machines using simulation-based meta models
  
  Meschke, G., & Ninić, J. (2015). Model update and real-time steering of tunnel boring machines using simulation-based meta models. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 45, 138-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2014.09.013
• Beam–solid contact formulation for finite element analysis of pile–soil interaction with arbitrary discretization
  
  Ninić, J., Stascheit, J., & Meschke, G. (2014). Beam–solid contact formulation for finite element analysis of pile–soil interaction with arbitrary discretization. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 38(14), 1453-1476. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.2262
• Parallelized computational modeling of pile–soil interactions in mechanized tunneling
  
  Meschke, G., Ninić, J., Stascheit, J., & Alsahly, A. (2013). Parallelized computational modeling of pile–soil interactions in mechanized tunneling. Engineering Structures, 47, 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2012.07.001